Axial Network Releases Third Quarter Lower Middle Market Leaderboards

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Axial, the network for professionals who operate, advise, finance, and acquire private companies, released unique member data from the third quarter today that indicated a slight drop in private equity acquisition activity, but an increase in investment banking deals.

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Axial Leaderboards rank the most active investment banks, PE firms, lenders, and corporate acquirers by looking at companies currently working on the most deals, connecting most often, and having the biggest impact on the network. The rankings are based on an analysis of the 257,422 member connections that occurred on the network in Q3.

CTJ Management and Ferrellgas Partners took the 2^nd and 3^rd slots respectively on the corporate acquirers Leaderboard, while Integrated Electrical Services remained in the top slot.Corporate Finance Associates - Mid-South took the number one ranking, up from number two, on the investment bank list. On the lender Leaderboard, RAI Group and Full Circle Capital moved into the first and second slots respectively. And, on the PE front, Crescendo Capital Partners retained the top slot, while Springwell Partners claimed number two.

The most active firm on the network overall last quarter was Corporate Finance Associates – Mid-South. While based in Memphis, Tenn., the investment bank claimed its ranking as a result of the number of deals it conducted in the Midwest. That activity is consistent with a trend among other investment banks and PE firms who have been active more frequently in the Midwest as the manufacturing industry has returned from overseas.

"The Q3 activity points to the diversity of participants on the Axial network over the last 12 months; the combination of this diversity and density on the network makes Axial a more and more powerful platform for business owners, intermediaries and capital providers looking to collaborate on lower middle market transactions," said Peter Lehrman, Axial's Chief Executive Officer.

PE acquisition activity has slowed down, but PE sell-side activity, however, surged during Q3, according to network data. Activity among corporate acquirers and lenders also surged.

"The connections our members make on the Axial network help them succeed, giving them access to new opportunities that help them compete at a national level," Mr. Lehrman said.

About Axial

Axial is the network for the Entrepreneurial Economy, serving professionals who operate, advise, finance, and acquire private companies. Every hour, a private company connects with one of the 14,000 financial intermediaries, capital providers, or strategic acquirers on the network to safely and confidentially explore their strategic financing and exit strategy options. More than 75 private company transactions close each month as a result of connections made on Axial. Professionals join Axial to confidentially source and share opportunities, and gain access to capital, advice and relationships that help them and their organizations succeed. Founded in 2010, Axial is backed by Redpoint Ventures and First Round Capital.

To learn more about Axial, or to request membership on the network, visit www.axial.net.

Media                                                                                    
Sara Zick, JCPR                                                         
(646) 922-7759                                                                      
[email protected]

SOURCE Axial